Giving a shout out

Giving a shout out

From Pelita

The reform movement sweeping across the country -- after citizens were denied their right to democracy for the past 32 years -- has resulted in people from all levels of the community shouting at the top of their lungs as if this was a manifestation of democracy. The important thing seems to be to make oneself heard as loud as possible; as for quality, it can wait.

This can be seen in the television coverage of President Abdurrahman Wahid, better known as Gus Dur, when he came face-to- face with the honorable members of the House of Representatives on Nov. 18, 1999, to explain the dissolution of the ministries of information and social affairs.

As a taxpayer, I agree with Gus Dur's decision because in order to head toward a civilian society there is no need for information of the type issued by the former information ministry.

As for social affairs, awareness must grow from communities which have their own social problems, for which there is no need for regulation by the social affairs ministry. Besides, the former ministry could not resolve existing social problems.

It would be best for their budgets to be used for the people's benefit, i.e. by boosting the economy. Members of the House of Representatives should be better at finding ways to economically empower the people so that their social level is equal to that of people in other countries.

BAMBANG

Jakarta